Accelerate America #3 February 2015

NORTH AMERICAN EDITION # 3, FEBRUARY 2015

A D VA N C I N G H VA C & R N A T U R A L LY

PA U L ANDERSON

COMMITTING

TO CO2 REFRIGERATION p.16 P.24

SOBEYS' FUTURE-PROOF REFRIGERATION STRATEGY P.28

NH3-CO2 CHILLS PRODUCE FOR COURCHESNE LAROSE P.31

MAJOR CLIMATE ACCORDS IN 2015?

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Publisher's Note

Publisher’s note by Marc Chasserot

TIP OF THE ICEBERG

W

elcome to issue 3 of Accelerate

America. It’s our AHR Expo special

issue, and our first to be printed and distributed at a major trade show.

We’ve been covering great people

We start now with our special

since the launch of the magazine

supplement to issue 3 called the

late last year and the feedback has

Guide to Natural Refrigerants at the

been excellent. Our readers like our

2015 AHR Expo. In over 40 pages of

content and they want more cutting-

great content you will find exclusive

edge

natural-

interviews, products, and a company

refrigerant-based technologies and

directory, as well as an events

how these are going to disrupt and

planner and hall maps showing you

spur innovation within the HVAC&R

where to find these companies. With

industry across North America.

more than 80 companies listed, it’s

reporting

about

the biggest showing of naturalAs we settle into an exciting 2015, I

refrigerant-related

have great news for you -- we’ve

at the AHR Expo. I know, because

products

ever

only just started. This truly is only

I’ve been going to the AHR Expo for

the “tip of the iceberg.” On the back

well over a decade. This is exciting

cover of this issue, you will find

news and I believe it sets in motion

our updated Editorial Calendar for

a promising 2015.

the coming year, where we clearly show that

America

This issue will be packaged with

will cover a wide variety of sectors

the Guide and made available at the

within HVAC&R. Not just food

AHR Expo, so be sure to pick up your

retail and industrial refrigeration.

free copies. The Guide will save you

We will cover many trade shows

time at the show in finding all the

every month and talk to industry

market leaders and their products

insiders about their expectations

and services.

for

natural

Accelerate

refrigerants

and

related technologies. We will go

And feel free to send me your

all over North America and even

comments

internationally, when it is relevant to

marc.chasserot@shecco.com . We

the market in North America.

are always looking for new ideas!

Importantly, we will have a few

and

suggestions at

MC

surprises for our readers over the coming months with special issues, supplements and more.

February 2015 Accelerate America

3

Table of Contents

NORTH AMERICAN EDITION ISSUE #3, FEBRUARY 2015

ADVANCING HVAC&R NATURALLY

ABOUT ACCELERATE AMERICA Brought to you by shecco, the worldwide experts in natural refrigerant news, Accelerate America is the first monthly news magazine written for and about the most progressive business leaders working with natural refrigerant solutions in all HVAC&R sectors.

@ A c c e l e r a t e NA

http://accelerate.shecco.com

p.3 p.16 Tip of the iceberg Publisher’s note by Marc Chasserot

Paul Anderson from Target

Why Target opted for CO2 as its prototype 3 | 13 9 | 10

11 2

6

Taking the plunge Editor’s note by Michael Garry

7

5

p.8

p.6

p.14

1 | 12

p.24

8

4

Events planner The events in February, March and April 2015

4

Accelerate America February 2015

Natural refrigerants surge at Chicago expo

Sobeys: Set for life

C oo nn tt ee nn tt ss TT aa bb ll ee oo ff C

p.28

ISSUE #

Courchesne Larose: ‘Our motivation: To be more green’

3

Marc Chasserot

Publisher

marc.chasserot@shecco.com @marcchasserot Michael Garry

Editor

michael.garry@shecco.com

p.31

@mgarrywriter International Editor

Janaina Topley Lira jana.topleylira@shecco.com @JanaTopleyLira

Are major climate accords on the horizon?

Contributing Writer

Elke Milner

Contributing Writer

James Ranson

Contributing Writer

Caixia Mao

Events Coordinator

Silvia Scaldaferri

Advertising Manager

Franziska Menten

Designer

Mehdi Bouhjar

Preliminary agreements at the Lima Summit and the Montreal Protocol meeting in Paris could lead to breakthroughs in 2015, though barriers remain.

p.34

Danfoss is pushing the market towards natural refrigerants

p.40

Greener China is turning towards natural refrigerants

Follow us on twitter @AccelerateNA

p.36

Hillphoenix: It’s not rocket science.

It’s just refrigeration susbscribe to our newsletter accelerate.shecco.com

Carnot Refrigeration: Refrigerate differently

Accelerate’s network of offices stretches from Brussels to Tokyo.

p.42

Accelerate America is published monthly except for a mid-year and year-end double issue. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the Publisher. Every care is taken to ensure the content of the magazine is accurate but we assume no responsibility for any effect from errors or omissions.

Published by shecco. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without priori written permission of the copyright owner.

February 2015 Accelerate America

5

Editor's note

Editor’s note

by Michael Garry

TAKING THE PLUNGE Last September, Paul Anderson, senior group manager, engineering for Target – and the fellow on the cover of this issue – had the honor of participating in a meeting at the White House focused on slashing emissions of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), the potent group of climate-changing greenhouse gases used throughout the HVAC&R industry.

President Obama wasn’t there – he was in Atlanta at the

dioxide on the low-temperature side and R134a on the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dealing with

medium-temperature side as its prototypical design for

the Ebola issue – but a number of other dignitaries were

refrigeration in PFresh outlets. At the White House, he

in attendance, including John Podesta, a counselor to the

referred to that and mentioned several other initiatives

President and former chief of staff for President Clinton;

you can read about in our story.

Gina McCarthy, administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; Ernest Moniz, secretary, Department of Energy;

We also have an article about Sobeys’ remarkable

and Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

embrace of CO2 technology, mostly transcritical systems, in 70 of its Quebec stores and another 11 in other

There were also representatives from 21 other private-

Canadian provinces. The company is adding 15-20 new

sector companies that, like Target, were making a

CO2-refrigerated stores annually.

commitment to reduce emissions of HFCs in some way. In total, their efforts would cut cumulative global

These two major retailers have found enough benefits in

consumption of these greenhouse gases by the

systems using natural refrigerants to take the plunge and

equivalent of 700 million metric tons of carbon dioxide

implement them in new and remodeled stores, becoming

through 2025, equivalent to 1.5% of the world’s 2010

the first retailers in their respective countries to do so.

greenhouse gas emissions and the same as taking nearly

Besides helping the environment, their decisions are

15 million cars off the road for 10 years.

based on solid business metrics. Both, for example, have seen energy savings in these systems. Initial equipment

That’s a small but significant percentage because it

costs are more favorable for Sobeys, given its much

buys time for dealing with the overall issue of climate

larger deployment, than they are for Target, but Anderson

change. And compared to the far more difficult challenge

is convinced those costs will come down for his company

of controlling fossil fuel emissions, HFCs represent “low-

as well.

hanging fruit” ready to be plucked.

If the other companies at the White House – Kroger, The commitment made by Target is the basis of this

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Red Bull among them – continue

month’s cover story. Anderson revealed a big part of that

to honor their commitments, the market in North America

commitment last June at shecco’s ATMOSphere America

for HFC alternatives like natural refrigerants should soar.

conference when he announced that the national retailer

And the climate will be a lot better for it

had selected a hybrid cascade system using carbon 6

Accelerate America February 2015

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Events Planner

EVENTS PLANNER FEBRUARY 2015 3 | 13 9 | 10

11

7

2

6 5

1 | 12 8

4

1

February 5 - 7 - Orlando, FL

MACS 2015 Training Event & Trade Show

8

http://www.macsw.org/imis15/2015_Training_Event/ twitter : @MACS_Worldwide / #MACS2015TrainingEvent

2

February 7-11 — Atlanta, GA

50th WFLO Institute

February 8-11 — Las Vegas, NV

NGA Show

9

February 11 - 14 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

National Turkey Federation Annual Conference

10

Feb 12 - 13 - Dallas, TX

5th Annual American Food Manufacturing & Safety Summit 2015

11

Feb 15 - 17 - Phoenix, AZ

2015 Supply Chain Conference

http://www.fmi.org/forms/meeting/MeetingFormPublic/ view?id=1F583400000731 twitter : @FMI_ORG

7

February 16 - 20 — Charlotte, NC

48th Industrial Refrigeration Workshop http://global.k-state.edu/conf/industrialrefrig/

8

Accelerate America February 2015

February 21 - 25 - Anaheim, CA

AFFI-CON 2015

February 22 - 24 - Nashville, TN

Annual Meat Conference http://www.meatconference.com twitter : #meat-conference-2015

12

February 22 - 25 - Orlando, FL

Retail Supply Chain Conference 2015

http://www.rila.org/events/conferences/supplychain/Pages/default.aspx twitter : @RILAtweets / #RILAsupplychain

twitter : @FoodMfgNetwork

6

The NAFEM Show 2015

http://afficon.affi.org twitter : @FriendsofFrozen / #afficon

http://www.eatturkey.com/content/conventions-and-conferences twitter : @TurkeyGal

5

February 19 - 21 — Anaheim, CA http://www.thenafemshow.org twitter : @TheNAFEMShow / #TheNAFEMShow

http://www.nationalgrocers.org/the-nga-show/the-nga-show---home/ twitter : @NationalGrocers / #NGAShow

4

EXPOCARNES 2015

http://expocarnes.com twitter : @EXPO_CARNES / #expocarnes2015

http://www.gcca.org/wflo-institute-cold-chain-education-training/ twitter : @gccaorg / #wflo

3

February 18 - 20 - Monterrey, Mexico

13

February 24 - 26 - Las Vegas, NV

2015 AWMA Marketplace & Solutions Expo http://www.awmashow.com twitter : @AWMAinfo

Events Planner

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www.micro-thermo.com February 2015 Accelerate America

9

Events Planner

EVENTS PLANNER MARCH 2015

4 3

2 1

6 5 7

1

March 1 - 4 - Carlsbad, CA

35th Annual Conference & Exhibition, Refrigerated Foods Association

6

http://www.refrigeratedfoods.org/rfa-conference

2

March 4 - 8 - Anaheim, CA

Natural Products Expo West

March 8 - 10 - New York, NY

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York

7

March 15 - 17 - Boston, MA

Seafood Expo North America / Seafood Processing North America 2015 http://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/ twitter : @bostonseafood / #seafood

5

March 16-19 — Grapevine, TX

ACCA Conference & IE3 Expo

http://www.acca.org/education/conference/ twitter : @accausa / #acca15

10

Accelerate America February 2015

March 22-25 — San Diego, CA

2015 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition

March 22 - 26 - Point Clear, AL

45th Annual Food & Beverage Environmental Conference

http://environ-council.affi.org/index.asp?sid=65

8

www.internationalrestaurantny.com

4

8

http://www.iiar.org/iiar/WCM/Events/WCM/Events/2015_ Conference/2015%20Program/2015_IIAR_Conference_Information. aspx?hkey=ee37d734-7ec0-4fb4-a8f1-9d455ab66e2d

http://www.expowest.com/ew15/public/enter.aspx twitter : @NatProdExpo / #ExpoWest

3

9

March 29 - April 1 - Orlando, FL

2015 ABA Convention, American Bakers Association

http://americanbakers.org/2015abaconvention/ twitter : @AmericanBakers / #ABACon

9

March 31 - April 1 - St. Petersburg, FL

Ice Cream Technology Conference 2015

http://www.idfa.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/Ice_Cream_Tech_2015 twitter : @dairyidfa

Events Planner

February 2015 Accelerate America

11

Events Planner

EVENTS PLANNER APRIL 2015

4

10 6 5

1

7 2

3

9

1

April 12 - 15 - Washington, DC

GMA Science Forum 2015

6

http://www.gmaonline.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/scienceforum15 twitter : @GroceryMakers

2

April 13 - 15 - Atlanta, GA

National Logistics & Distribution Conference

April 13 - 15 - Tempe, AZ

NFRA Executive Conference

7

April 13 - 14 - Vancouver, BC

Grocery & Specialty Food West 2015

8

April 14 - 15 - Chicago, IL

9th Annual American Food Technology & Innovation Summit http://www.thefoodsummit.com/ twitter : @FoodInnoNetwork

12

Accelerate America February 2015

April 22 - 24 - Las Vegas, NV

2015 NAMA OneShow

April 25-29 — Orlando, FL

124th IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo

http://www.gcca.org/124th-iarw-wflo-convention-expo/ twitter : @gccaorg / #IARW

9

http://www.cfig.ca/page.asp?id=43 twitter : @CFIGFCEI

5

SAE 2015 World Congress & Exhibition

http://www.namaoneshow.org/ twitter : @NAMAvending / #NAMAOneShow15

http://nfraexecutiveconference.org/ twitter : @EasyHomeMeals

4

April 21-23 — Detroit, MI

http://www.sae.org/congress/ twitter : @SAEIntl

http://nldcinfo.com/ twitter : @NLDCinfo / #NLDCinfo

3

8

April 26-29 — San Antonio, TX

BuildPoint 2015

http://www.buildpointevent.com/ twitter : @BuildPointEvent / #bp2014event

10

April 28 - 30 - Toronto, ON

SIAL Canada

http://www.sialcanada.com/sial/en/index.sn twitter : @SIALCANADA / #SIAL2015

Events Planner

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13

Events

NATURAL REFRIGERANTS SURGE AT CHICAGO EXPO — by Elke Milner

shecco’s new Guide to Natural Refrigerants

at the 2015 AHR Expo can help attendees navigate the massive event.

From January 26 to 28, more than 80 companies

in their planning and outreach strategies. Its

offering products or services using natural

product and company directories provide a

refrigerants will exhibit at the AHR Expo at

comprehensive overview of whom and what to

McCormick Place in Chicago.

look for, with exhibit hall maps highlighting the booths of companies offering natural refrigerant

That’s a significant increase from last year’s Expo,

products and services. An event calendar

and further proof of the evolving North American

outlines natural-refrigerant-related seminars and

market for natural working fluids and their

presentations taking place at the three-day event.

associated technology.

The Guide also includes exclusive interviews with The

event

–

formally

known

as

the

industry leaders covering topics such as natural-

2015 International Air-Conditioning, Heating,

refrigerant products at the Expo, their features

Refrigerating Exposition -- is expected to be the

and availability, the markets with the highest

largest AHR Expo ever held, displaying 465,000

expected growth potential, and policy influences

square feet (equivalent to nine football fields)

and consequences.

of exhibits from more than 2,000 companies spanning every sector of the HVAC&R industry

The Guide to Natural Refrigerants at the 2015 AHR

and bringing together more than 40,000 visitors.

Expo will be freely available both online and in

Not for nothing that the Expo dubs itself the

print at the event at the Media Resource Center,

“world’s largest HVACR marketplace.”

as well as at the booths of the publication’s supporters.

The Expo, co-sponsored by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-

Activity at the AHR Expo is expected to be

Conditioning

(Air-

brisk. The results of a recent ASHRAE Journal

Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute),

and AHR Expo survey reflect optimism and

will also host over 100 educational seminars,

high expectations of an improving economy for

workshops and new product presentations.

the industry overall, particularly with regard to

Engineers)

and

AHRI

new construction projects using commercial To

help

attendees

interested

in

natural

cooling

and

refrigeration.

An

impressive SPECIAL EDITION # 1, JANUARY 2015

refrigerants and related applications navigate

87% of respondents indicated their business

the Expo, market development expert shecco is

prospects were either “excellent” or “good” for

launching its Guide to Natural Refrigerants at the

2015, and 40% expect the most growth in new

2015 AHR Expo at the event. The publication

construction projects; in last year’s results,

compiles information on companies offering

respondents expected the most out of retrofits

products and services for natural refrigerants

and renovations.

and highlights natural-refrigerant-related events during the trade show.

A D VA N C I N G H VA C & R N A T U R A L LY

M A G A Z I N E

GUIDE FOR NATURAL REFRIGERANTS AT 2015 AHR EXPO

CO2 Air

The Expo will also feature the 13th AHR Expo Innovation Awards, given to exhibiting companies

The Guide is designed to connect experts at

with the most creative and useful products on the

the event and support attendees and exhibitors

market

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EM ACCELERATE.SHECCO.COM

14

Accelerate America February 2015

Events

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February 2015 Accelerate America

15

Food Retail

PAUL ANDERSON

WHY TARGET OPTED FOR C O2 A S I T S PROTOTYPE

— By Michael Garry

16

Accelerate America February 2015

Food Retail

A CO2 cascade refrigeration system met engineering chief Paul Anderson’s efficiency requirements, but victory on total costs remains down the road.

Minneapolis Minnesota

continued on p.18

February 2015 Accelerate America

17

Food Retail

In the 1980s, as a long-haired teenage drummer dedicated to the music of his “Hair Band” heroes, Paul Anderson was fond of the hard rock ensemble Guns N’ Roses, which achieved worldwide popularity with its debut album, Appetite for Destruction.

Anderson still enjoys playing the drums and The Beat of a Different Drum: Anderson is leading Target’s unconventional approach to refrigeration.

helping his 17-year-old son, a drummer, and his 15-year-old son, a guitarist, in their musical pursuits as part of a heavy metal band.

Professionally, though, Anderson -- senior group manager, engineering, for Minneapolis-based Target, where he has worked for seven years – now has more of an appetite for construction, particularly of efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration systems.

That was never more evident than last June at shecco’s ATMOsphere America conference on natural refrigerants, where Anderson unveiled Target’s new prototype refrigeration system, which is more efficient than the company’s conventional model.

The prototype, a hybrid cascade system, will be used in newly opened PFresh stores, which offer an array of frozen foods, meat and dairy as a complement to Target’s traditional general merchandise. Of Target’s 1,783 stores in the U.S., more than 1,200 are PFresh outlets (In midJanuary, Target announced that it would close all of its 133 stores in Canada.) Target launched the PFresh format in 2009, making Anderson responsible for the design of its new refrigeration systems. (He recently took on responsibility for all of Target’s engineering disciplines.)

Anderson’s ATMOsphere America announcement

Life,” page 24.) Target has also started deploying

to standardize on a hybrid [cascade] system,” said

was especially notable for a U.S. retailer –

beverage coolers chilled by the natural refrigerant

Scott Martin, director of sustainable technologies

historic, really. For not only does the prototype

propane (R290).

for Hillphoenix, provider of one of Target’s

achieve greater efficiencies, it uses carbon

cascade systems, at a store in Conyers, Ga.

dioxide – an inexpensive, generally harmless

On the prototype’s medium-temperature side,

natural refrigerant with a GWP (global warming

it employs R134a (GWP of 1,300), which also

Mike

potential) of one -- as the sole cooling agent for

helps cool the CO2. The PFresh format’s previous

refrigeration coordinator for Whole Foods Market,

low-temperature cases.

prototype had been a DX (direct expansion)

is an admirer of Targets’ CO2 / R134a cascade

system incorporating R404A, with a GWP of 3,900,

prototype. While Whole Foods is testing a

Target thus became the first U.S. food retailer

which means that any leaks in the new prototype

variety of natural-refrigerant systems, Ellinger’s

to make a public commitment to running

make far less of a contribution to global warming.

preference would be something similar to the

a refrigeration system in new stores and

Moreover, the new prototype cuts the amount of

Target system. “It’s not overly complicated and

major remodels based in large part on an

HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant from about

most people can maintain it,” he said. “I’d like us

environmentally

1,000 pounds to 500-600 pounds.

to move more toward that direction.” (See “Taking

friendly

natural

refrigerant.

In North America, it is second only to Sobeys, Canada’s second largest grocer. (See “Set for

18

Accelerate America February 2015

Ellinger,

global

maintenance

and

Natural Refrigerants to the Next Level,” Accelerate “It’s a major statement to say that Target is going

America, Dec. 2014-Jan. 2015.)

Food Retail

Target’s long history of environmental initiatives includes the following: »»In the 1960s, contributed to urban renewal, including cleaner waterways. »»In 1968, became one of the first retailers to

St Paul, MN

institute a chain-wide cardboard recycling

Lake Bluff, IL

program.

Columbia, MO Los Angeles, CA San Clemente, CA

»»Was a sponsor of the first Earth Day in 1970

Conyers, GA

and a supporter of the event ever since.

Fort Worth, TX

Open CO2 stores

»»As a member of the Environmental Protection

Upcoming CO2 stores

Agency’s SmartWay program, optimizes the loading, routing and scheduling of trucks. »»In 2009, introduced a five-cent incentive every

EVOLUTION OF A PROTOTYPE a

time a shopper uses a reusable bag.

It was Anderson’s passion for efficiency

Following

that drove his journey to find the most

analysis of the hybrid cascade system,

comprehensive,

two-year

optimal refrigeration system for Target,

Target selected it as the new prototype: CO2

which turned out to be a solution with a

DX on the low-temp side, and R134a DX for

major natural component.

all of medium-temp, with a heat exchanger

»»In 2010, rolled out a comprehensive in-store recycling program for shoppers. »»In 2011, joined the EPA’s GreenChill program to cut refrigerant charge and emissions.

in between to help cool the CO2 and make The journey began in July 2010, when

sure its condensing temperatures remain

Target opened a store in St. Paul, Minn.,

in the subcritical range (under 88°F) where

»»In 2013, announced that all Canadian Target

that uses R404A on the primary side

it is most efficient. (Hybrid means that the

with CO2 as a secondary coolant for low-

high-side HFC refrigerant – rather than a

temperature cases, along with glycol

secondary fluid like CO2 or glycol -- is used

announce a prototype refrigeration system

as a secondary refrigerant for medium

to chill the medium-temp cases.) R134a

based in part on a natural refrigerant, carbon

temperature fixtures.

was chosen for being a “better performing

dioxide.

stores would be LEED-certified. »»In 2014, became the first U.S. retailer to

[HFC] fluid than others on the market,” said A year later, Target tried a somewhat

Anderson.

»»Has received the EPA’s Energy Star

different configuration at a new store in

certification for more than 1,000 stores

San Clemente, Calif., with a CO2 DX system

Target plans to open two more stores with

serving low-temp cases and R134a/glycol

the prototype in 2015, one in Lake Bluff, Ill.,

on the medium-temp side. A year after

the other in Ft. Worth, Texas.

that, in 2012, Target opened a store in Los Angeles with a similar refrigeration

With the new prototype designated for

system.

Target’s PFresh stores, the chain is looking at different technology for its City Target

But the systems pumping glycol for

and Target Express formats. Existing

medium-temperature cases were found to

SuperTarget stores – combining a full

have “a significant energy penalty versus

grocery store with a general merchandise

a traditional system,” said Anderson, who

assortment -- are being transitioned from

subsequently removed glycol from the test

R22 to R407A, which is a better fit for a

systems.

drop-in conversion than R134a, Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Target was testing the hybrid cascade system, starting in June 2012

Target will retrofit existing refrigeration

at a new store in Conyers, Ga., near the

systems

headquarters of the system’s rack supplier,

prototype equipment in the event of a

Hillphoenix. In March 2013, a second store

“significant

using the system opened in Columbia, Mo.,

adding, “It’s too soon for that.”

near the headquarters of its rack supplier, Hussmann.

at

PFresh remodel,”

stores said

with

the

Anderson,

continued on p.20

February 2015 Accelerate America

19

Food Retail

FIVE BUCKETS Armed with a degree in mechanical engineering

said. “We kept tuning the component selection to

presentation at the Food Marketing Institute

from Iowa State University, Anderson, likes

fit the application.” Anderson, who before joining

Energy Conference last September, Tim Anderson

to break down his analysis of refrigeration

Target worked as an engineer for John Deere,

(no relation), principal engineer, Hussmann, noted

systems into five buckets that constitute the

Taylor Industries and Eaton Automotive, strongly

that a cascade system “is not a bad system in

believes in tailoring components to the size of a

terms of energy, especially when using a direct

system.

hybrid system on the medium-temperature side.”

total cost of ownership: energy consumption, capital investment in equipment and installation, maintenance, impact on customers (“guests” in Target parlance) and sustainability.

In terms of energy performance, the prototype system

did

not

initially

meet

Target’s

requirements. In 2012, Anderson reported that Target’s CO2 systems were consuming more energy than a DX system using R404 in the same market. But at the 2014 ATMOsphere America meeting he revealed that the Conyers and Columbus hybrid cascade systems were saving about $2,000 annually in energy costs compared

“

WE WOULD SPEND UP TO SEVEN MONTHS FINE-TUNING THE SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY THE BARRIERS TO IMPROVED EFFICIENCY”

The efficiency improvement, however, has not been enough to compensate for other cost requirements of the hybrid cascade system. For example, capital investment in the technology is still 25% -30% higher than that of the DX system, while installation costs about 5% more. Moreover, maintenance expenses run about $2,300 per year more than for a DX system. Overall, incorporating efficiency gains, the cascade system costs

Target also worked closely with manufacturers

$60,000 to $80,000 more than the conventional

to improve efficiency. “The partnership between

model in incremental cash flow, said Anderson.

with the standard DX unit. (The prototype system

manufacturers and end users really drives

also produces enough heat to provide hot water

gains in efficiency by promoting understanding

But he is seeing a slow decline in equipment and

in the store.)

of how controls and algorithms are working,”

installation costs for the cascade system. That

Anderson said. For example, Target’s suppliers

won’t be reflected in the two 2015 stores, but

In order to achieve that energy saving, Target

optimized the R134a compressors’ horsepower

should come over the next three to five years as

had to compensate for the energy penalties

requirements to maximize efficiency.

production grows, he said.

other components in a CO2 design. That required

The energy performance of the prototype system

At the ATMOsphere America conference, even

honing in on the optimal component selection

has been consistent, regardless of the rack

as he announced the new prototype Anderson

and system design by submetering the energy

manufacturer, Anderson said. But he added that

acknowledged that there’s still work to do with

consumption of many components.

Target plans to ultimately settle on one rack

respect to the total cost of ownership. “But we

supplier.

believe advances in CO2 technology are absolutely

inherent in the heat exchanger, rack valves and

“When we set up the initial stores, we would

viable,” he said. “We look forward to working with

spend up to seven months fine-tuning the system

Anderson is not alone in observing the improved

to identify the barriers to improved efficiency,” he

efficiency of the hybrid cascade system. In a

In 2013, Target’s refrigerant emissions accounted for 63% of its direct emissions and 22% of its total emissions (direct and indirect). The company’s

continued on p.22

T O TA L E M I S S I O N S IN METRIC TONS CO2 EQUIVALENT

3, 16 1, 1 3 7

new CO2 / R134a reduces the carbon impact of refrigeration by 65%.

DIRECT EMISSIONS

INDIRECT EMISSIONS

704,580

2,456,557

IN METRIC TONS CO2 EQUIVALENT

241,530

1,877

764

18,792

N AT U R A L GAS

P R O PA N E

S TAT I O N A R Y DIESEL

MOBILE DIESEL

IN METRIC TONS C O 2 E Q U I VA L E N T

441,617

REFRIGERANTS

2,449,843

3,564

3,150

ELECTRIC

STEAM

CHILLED W AT E R

Source: Target 2013 Corporate Responsibility Report

20

Accelerate America February 2015

Food Retail

POWERFUL THINGS ARE POWERED BY NATURE.

TRY A COOLING SOLUTION WITH A NATURAL REFRIGERANT.

Besides of having no impacts on the environment, natural refrigerants such as R600a and R290 have an important role on the reduction of the equipment’s energy consumption, which means that it solves both direct and indirect emissions at once.

Embraco was one of the ďŹ rst organizations to produce compressors that uses natural refrigerants. Check our portfolio at our electronic catalog: www.embraco.com/catalog Know more about natural refrigerants at: www.naturalrefrigerants.info

February 2015 Accelerate America

21

Food Retail

our partners to develop solutions that eliminate barriers that still exist today.”

generator for “life safety issues.” In the event of an extended power outage – or in anticipation of one – “we’ll find other sources to protect frozen

Meanwhile Target is doing all it can to reduce

and refrigerated food.” To date the prototype’s

maintenance costs. During the months spent

uptime – its most palpable impact on shoppers

fine-tuning a new system, the chain works with

-- has been comparable to that of traditional

manufacturers

systems.

and

contractors

“to

ensure

that contractors truly understand how to keep systems operating efficiently,” Anderson said.

But Tim Anderson of Hussmann noted that a

That includes getting accustomed to the higher

power loss in a cascade system could result

pressures inherent in the system, including 200

in “a rapid rise of pressure, which can lead to

psi on the low-temperature side, 400 psi for

venting of the CO2 via pressure relief valves.” He

medium-temperatures.

suggested using a small dedicated condensing unit powered by a generator that “could keep the

Though some U.S. retailers using CO2 systems

[CO2] in the receiver cold in a power loss.”

have complained about the lack of availability of components or CO2, that has not been an issue

In regard to Anderson’s last bucket, sustainability,

for Anderson.

Target’s selection of a CO2 cascade system has

A propane beverage cooler at a Target store in Minneapolis.

been a major plus. The system’s lower energy In terms of leaks, Anderson found that by

consumption

traditional

The 2013 report also published Target’s 2013

switching from R404a to R134a, a lower-pressure

DX unit, combined with its reduction of HFC

greenhouse gas emissions in metric tons of CO2

refrigerant, leak rates dropped. It’s still too early,

charge and GWP, cuts carbon impact by 65%,

equivalent. Refrigerants accounted for 441,617

he said, to assess leak rates for CO2.

eliminating more than 150 metric tons of CO2

metric tons of CO2 equivalent, which was 63%

equivalent annually per store.

of Target’s total direct emissions and 22% of its

Target

employs

a

refrigerant

compared

with

a

management

combined direct and indirect emissions.

system (from Verisae) that tracks refrigerant

In its 2013 Corporate Responsibility Report,

usage, including leaks, across the chain, helping

Target put forth specific company-wide goals for

Target has pursued emission reduction projects

it to comply with the recordkeeping requirements

greenhouse-gas-emission reductions it wanted to

like LED lights in refrigerated cases and HVAC

of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

reach by fiscal 2015, using a 2007 baseline: a 10%

variable fan drives, which cut 15,466 and 17,996

emissions drop per square foot and a 20% drop

metric tons of CO2, respectively. But given

Anderson has opted not to use back-up

per million dollars of retail sales. Through fiscal

refrigerants’ large contribution to emissions,

generators for the prototype. “The design of the

2013, it had reached 7.1% and 7.4% declines,

Anderson

system ensures that it’ll operate safely in any

respectively.

refrigerants like CO2 to curb emissions “certainly

number of conditions,” he said. All stores have a

Hybrid cascade CO2/134a system on the roof of a Target PFresh store in Columbia. Mo.

acknowledged

using

natural

supports where we want to go.”

System Specs Target’s prototype cascade system includes the following features: »» A CO2 DX system for low-temperature cases. »» An R134a DX system for mediumtemperature cases. »» Low-temperature system typically has four compressors, each with a capacity of 30,000 BTUs/hour »» Medium-temperature system typically has five compressors, each with a capacity of 100,000 BTUs/hour. »» Racks from Hillphoenix and Hussmann. »» Bitzer compressors »» Emerson controls. »» Electric defrost. »» Heat reclaim for domestic hot water. »» Cases from Hillphoenix, Hussmann and Zero Zone.

22

Accelerate America February 2015

Food Retail

NOT MAKING THE CUT In addition to its three pumped-glycol tests,

though not in store-wide systems. “We’re always

synthetic alternative, as a possible replacement

Target considered other possible prototype

monitoring the situation,” said Anderson.

for R404A or R134a. “We’re working with the

systems, including transcritical, and pumped CO2.

chemical producers – Honeywell and DuPont –

“The other systems we looked at have not met our

Meanwhile, he left the door open to replacing

to test HFOs,” he said. These refrigerants have not

internal hurdle for new technologies we want to

the current prototype with new technology that

yet been approved by the EPA’s SNAP (Significant

apply going forward,” said Anderson.

proves to be a better fit for Target. “It’s an ongoing

New Alternatives Policy) program.

discussion,” he said.

Though transcritical systems can work well in

In

its

effort

to

create

more

sustainable

the cooler climates typical of Target’s home

One possibility is an ammonia (NH3)-based store

refrigeration, Target has joined some national

state of Minnesota, Anderson’s team has found

system that would include secondary fluids.

programs. In 2010, the chain became a member

them unsuitable after many years of testing.

Target uses NH3 to refrigerate its cold storage

of the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership, which

The issue for Target, he explained, is that PFresh

warehouses, and its ammonia engineers are

helps retailers cut their refrigerant leaks and

stores use fewer refrigerated and frozen cases

now collaborating with its store refrigeration

charge. And last September, Target, represented

than a conventional supermarket, and therefore

engineers. Last year, the chain opened two new

by Anderson, participated in a meeting at the

generate less waste heat. As a result, there is

refrigerated warehouses in 2014 that use NH3

White House of private-sector companies that

not enough waste heat to compensate for the

for cold storage but glycol to cool office areas,

voluntarily committed to phasing out HFCs.

efficiency penalties experienced by a transcritical

eliminating HFCs in the HVAC system and

system, he said.

reducing the carbon impact by 900 metric tons of

At the meeting, Anderson spoke about Target’s

CO2 annually.

advancements, including its new prototype,

But what about SuperTargets, which have

HFC-free HVAC systems in its new warehouses,

as much refrigerated and frozen food as

Last fall Target also began using propane, a

hydrocarbon-based coolers, HFO testing and

conventional supermarkets? “That might be a

hydrocarbon natural refrigerant, in self-contained

GreenChill participation.

place where transcritical would work, but we’re

beverage coolers. This included 13,000 coolers

not building any more SuperTargets,” he said.

supplied by brands such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo,

“Our internal teams have worked hard with

Red Bull and Dr. Pepper/Snapple, as well as its

chemical

One advantage of transcritical refrigeration is

own multi-brand unit – from True Manufacturing,

manufacturers and contractors to advance

that by eliminating HFCs (including R134a) it

model GDM-72-HC-LD -- which is being piloted in a

technologies to eliminate our dependency on

protects companies from future HFC regulations.

store in Minneapolis. The propane coolers reduce

high global-warming-potential refrigerants,” he

As an HFC user, Target is paying close attention

energy consumption by 15 million kWh per year.

said to an audience that included representatives

to the Environmental Protection Agency’s current

“If all goes well, I can see [propane] playing a

of Coca-Cola, Kroger, PepsiCo, and Red Bull, as

plans to delist certain high-GWP HFCs such as

larger role in our stores,” he said.

well as EPA administrator Gina McCarthy and

R404A and R507A by Jan. 1, 2016. Even R134a

producers,

refrigeration

Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz.

is slated for delisting for new stand-alone

Target is also looking at HFOs (hydrofluoro-

food refrigeration and new vending machines,

olefins), a low-GWP (in the 150-600 range)

system

MG

Paul Anderson at a White House meeting on HFC reduction.

February 2015 Accelerate America

23

Food Retail

SET FOR LIFE Sobeys, North America’s leading user of CO2-only refrigeration, chose a future-proof natural solution to avoid having to ever retrofit its systems again.

Here’s how they did it.

Yves Hugron Engineering Director Sobeys

— By Jana Topley Lira and Marc Chasserot

Nobody likes change, least of all food retailers. Yet when it comes to

The person in charge of refrigeration decisions and everything else relating

refrigeration, the last two decades have seen nothing but a constant

to building engineering is Sobeys’ director of engineering, Yves Hugron.

turnover in the kinds of refrigerants they are allowed to use.

He works for Sobeys Quebec, one of four divisions -- alongside Sobeys Fed up with the continuous uncertainty, Sobeys -- Canada’s second largest

Maritime, Ontario, and Western Canada – in Sobeys Inc., based in Stellarton,

food retailer with 1,778 stores (852 of them franchised) -- became the first

Nova Scotia.

company in North America to do something about it.

The retailer’s three Anglo Saxon divisions are grouped together, while the What Sobeys did was make transcritical refrigeration using only carbon

French-speaking Quebec division maintains an independent identity, which

dioxide – a natural refrigerant not subject to regulatory phaseouts – its

according to Hugron, helps to differentiate the province’s special relationship

standard system for new stores and major renovations.

with food.

Today Sobeys has 72 stores (including one opening in March) using a CO2

For Hugron and Sobeys’ engineering team, including equipment advisors

transcritical system, and 15-20 stores opening every year with CO2, making

Yves Beauregard and Patrick Gareau, continuing to use synthetic

it the de facto leader of transcritical installations in North America. Out of

refrigerants would offer no guarantees. In 10, 12, or 15 years Sobeys could

these new stores, at least 10 are renovations, which are always undertaken

be faced with another phaseout. As Hugron put it, “Why would we invest

while the store is open. Sobeys never loses a day of sales in its transition

in another replacement refrigerant with an uncertain future when another

to CO2.

technology using natural refrigerants was emerging in Europe?”

How did Sobeys come to this point?

Instead, Sobeys engineers travelled across “the pond” to look at what was being done in the European Union, where the market for commercial CO2

Sobeys started to take a keen interest in its refrigeration systems in 2008.

transcritical refrigeration technology was rapidly developing.

The Montreal Protocol had long been in place and the retailer knew it would bring more change. HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) like R22 were on the

Impressed by what the engineers had seen, Sobeys gathered them, as well

way out, and the future of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) looked uncertain.

as technicians and system manufacturers, in one room, and presented them with a new mandate. The retailer wanted to eliminate synthetic refrigerants

The chain had already experienced the phaseout of ozone-depleting CFCs

from its estate in the long term and needed an alternative solution. Everyone

(chlorofluorocarbons), and transitioned from R11 and R12 to HCFCs, the

in the room that day was asked: “What can you do to help us achieve our

“new” generation of synthetic refrigerants at the time that also harmed the

goal?”

ozone layer. Now, the Montreal Protocol seems likely to once again phase out another “new” generation of synthetic refrigerants, HFCs, which contribute significantly to global warming. So Sobeys’ engineers asked themselves,

THEN THERE WERE TWO

“Is it wise to jump on the bandwagon and do what everyone else is doing?

Should we invest in another generation of synthetic refrigerants?”

Initially, 10 companies answered Sobeys call. After a first meeting only six remained, the others not yet able to offer a natural refrigerant solution. Of

24

Accelerate America February 2015

Food Retail

Other Natural Applications

those six, Sobeys asked more detailed questions

But when talking about natural refrigerants,

about their suggested solutions, after which only

Sobeys means not only looking at GWP, but

four remained in the running, and eventually only

taking into account the possibility that a new

Sobeys’ natural refrigerant success in stores

two, Carnot and CSC. These were the only two

generation of synthetic refrigerants could be

has crossed over into its warehousing and

manufacturers ready to provide Sobeys with the

phased out further down the line. For Sobeys

distribution operations.

system they were looking for.

that means natural can never mean an HFO (hydrofluoroolefin). “We know that there will be

In recent years Sobeys Quebec has

Although Sobeys normally requires three systems

a problem with new synthetic refrigerants, and

transformed all of its eight warehouses from

suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, this was

another ‘Montreal Protocol’ that says HFOs have

R22, and even a few that were still using

considered an exceptional circumstance.

to be phased out in 2030 or 2040,” Hugron said.

R12, to the natural refrigerant ammonia.

Some even use CO2, such as a frozen meat

Both Carnot and CSC understood that CO2 was a refrigerant with enormous potential — and a GWP

warehouse expansion for which a cascade CO2

A GRADUAL PROCESS

system was added to the original ammonia

(global warming potential) of only one — and

system. Others employ ammonia with glycol

both were focused on developing CO2 technology.

Today 85% of Sobeys’ supermarkets still use R22,

piped through the warehouse, such as a dairy

(For more on Carnot, see “Refrigerate Differently,”

and Hugron acknowledged “we have a long way to

facility in Trois Rivières.

Page 42.) As a result, Sobeys worked closely with

go.” In 2015 the retailer can no longer install new

both manufacturers to develop a CO2 solution,

R22 systems, and only 300,000 kilograms of R22

For Sobeys Quebec’s director of engineering,

and agreed to test the first Canadian-made CO2

will be made or imported (down 90% from 1996

Yves Hugron, these dual systems are

systems in the field, in-store.

levels). This affects all of Sobeys’ 1,498 stores,

preferable to ammonia-only configurations,

including over 300 in in Quebec (many of them

as he believes that ammonia leaks cannot be

At the beginning there were not many subsidies

franchised). But all will eventually be switched

completed prevented. In the event of a leak in

to support Sobeys’ natural refrigerant endeavor.

to natural refrigerants.

a warehouse using an ammonia- only system,

So it was the engineering department at Sobeys

it has to be completely evaluated. This is

Quebec that acted as the driving force for

This will be a gradual process as replacing

not the case in the Trois Rivières warehouse

investing in CO2. The other divisions of Sobeys

all systems requires a major investment. The

because the ammonia is only kept in the

were not fully convinced of the switch. Many

systems that were installed five or six years ago,

machine room.

thought the Quebec division was crazy.

and which have a lifetime of approximately 15 to 20 years, will still be in operation in 10 to 15 years,

However, the push for CO2 refrigeration was

unless a store undergoes a major renovation.

The Next Challenge: HVAC

eventually transmitted to the CEO, after which

“

the Quebec team had buy-in from the top

Sobeys installed its first CO2 transcritical system

management to “green” the entire business. This

in 2009, and in 2011 it became the standard

When it comes to HVAC, Sobeys works with

has now started to filter through the different

refrigeration

a company specializing in HVAC systems for

divisions. As a result, CO2 systems have been

major store renovations. While CO2 is used in

supermarket stores. These have to be adapted

installed in the provinces of British Columbia

supermarkets, ammonia is employed in Sobeys’

to the high levels of humidity generated in-

(2), Alberta (3), Saskatchewan (1), Manitoba (2),

warehouses and distribution centers.

store by washing and cooking processes, and

solution

for

new

stores

and

Ontario (2) and New Foundland (1).

the spray used to keep the fruit and vegetables fresh. For the commercial refrigeration

WE DIDN’T WANT TO RELIVE ANOTHER PHASEOUT, A MONTREAL PROTOCOL 3.0 ”

system, it is very important to have an HVAC system designed to dehumidify the store.

Sobeys is investigating the possibility of using CO2 HVAC systems, but according to

So why do it? With CO2, Sobeys would be set for

If a corporate Sobeys store replacing R22 needs

director of engineering Yves Hugron the

life. “We didn’t want to relive another phaseout,

only a minor retrofit, such as a few more cabinets,

market is not yet ready. The current natural

a ‘Montreal Protocol 3.0,’” Hugron explained.

it will use an interim synthetic refrigerant, or drop

refrigerant HVAC systems are far too costly

(This would happen if HFCs, considered potent

in, for the remainder of the system’s lifetime.

when compared with those that use synthetic

greenhouse gases, come under the Protocol’s

Otherwise Sobeys will replace R22 with a natural

refrigerants.

authority, as many expect.) “We were and are still

refrigerant.

in the middle of a ‘Montreal Protocol 2.0,’ already

Together with Carnot, Sobeys has trialed an

in phaseout mode, and we did not want to face

Hugron thinks the transition to natural refrigerants

integrated CO2 refrigeration system that is

the same thing again.”

will be accelerated by the disappearance of R22.

linked to the store’s HVAC system. However,

While he does not yet feel the pressure to switch

the evaporation temperatures have penalized

While some may still question whether HFCs and

all stores immediately, he is aware that the

the system’s efficiency. For this reason Sobeys

other man-made greenhouse gases are causing

reduction in R22 stocks will mean rising prices --

still prefers to work with racks with higher

climate change, for Sobeys it is a pressing

some say exponentially -- and that this will cause

evaporation temperatures that are specially

problem that must be tackled, said Hugron.

the replacement process to accelerate.

designed for HVAC.

continued on p.26 February 2015 Accelerate America

25

YUKON Food Retail

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NUNAVUT

Hudson bay

BRITISH COLUMBIA

c

ALBERTA MANITOBA

ONTARIO S A S K A TC H E WA N

The first generation of CO2 systems, including cascade models, were

Energy efficiency has also improved dramatically. This is very important

prototypes, which experienced a few leaks, used more energy than traditional

given that refrigeration systems represents around 50% of a store’s energy

systems, and experienced growing pains, which can only be expected with a

costs. Using current CO2 technology, Sobeys reduced its refrigeration energy

brand new technology. The first CO2 supermarkets were pioneers; each was

costs by about 8% compared with traditional systems.

a “live laboratory” that has to contend with the problems that come with in-store testing. For example, in some stores the engineering team had to

Is there value to Sobeys in marketing its sustainability achievements? In

completely change the compressors.

layman’s terms investing in a CO2 refrigeration system is the equivalent of removing 3,000 cars from the road every year. To communicate this fact to

Sobeys also faced a shortage of components in North America, including

its customers and raise awareness of the retailer’s green credentials, store

valves and plate heat exchangers for high-pressure CO2 applications. As a

openings do feature extra signage highlighting the green technology in-

result, the retailer ended up working very closely with system and component

store.

manufacturers to fine- tune the nascent CO2 refrigeration technology.

However, with supermarkets and convenience stores already overburdened Today, the systems installed by Sobeys are very stable and reliable,

with signs and advertising, the emphasis in this crowded space remains not

with capacities ranging from 80 to 250 tons of refrigeration. These are

on highlighting green credentials, but on selling products.

manufactured now by three companies for better economies of scale. CSC is no longer operating.

Refrigeration is a necessary part of running a supermarket but is not the core business. It is the products on sale that must get the most attention.

Hugron believes that system manufacturers in Quebec have a completely

“Highlighting the low prices of our tomatoes compared to those of our

changed mindset. They are now more interested in manufacturing CO2 racks

competitors remains a priority over highlighting the green technology

than in R507 or R407 racks. Some manufacturers have even gone so far as

cooling those tomatoes,” said Hugron

to stop manufacturing synthetic refrigerant racks completely.

Gradually, initial system costs have come down for Sobeys.. In the early days a CO2 system, compared with a synthetic refrigerant system, would easily cost around 25%-30% higher. The systems now cost the same, and in some cases CO2 systems are actually cheaper than traditional commercial refrigeration technologies using R507.

26

Accelerate America February 2015

JTL + MC

North Atlantic Ocean

Food Retail

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

QUÉBEC

NOVA SCOTIA NEW BRUNSWICK

SOBEYS’ CASCADE AND TRANSCRITICAL REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS »»CO2 transcritical

QUÉBEC »»St-Félix de Valois »»Coteaux-du-Lac »»Laval-Ouest »»Cap-Rouge »»Cookshire »»Bromont »»St-Charles de Drummond »»Kirkland »»St-Augustin (Mirabel) »»Repentigny »»Dorval »»St-Rémi de Napierville »»Granby »»Disraèli »»Valleyfield »»L’Annonciation »»Mercier »»Ste-Agathe des Monts

»»St-Donat »»Pont-Rouge »»Grenville »»Delson »»Val Belair »»East Angus »»Masson-Angers »»Lasarre »»Gatineau »»St-Côme »»Cap-De-La-Madeleine »»St-Nicephore »»St-Georges Est »»St-Sauveur »»Lachenaie »»Laval »»Montreal Millen »»Bromptonville

BRITISH COLUMBIA »»Courtenay

»»Comox

ALBERTA »»Lewis Estates

»»Newcastle

»»Terrebonne »»Amos »»St-Césaire »»Vaudreuil-Dorion »»New Richmond »»Paspébiac »»St-Jean-Richelieu »»Sherbrooke »»Richelieu »»Boucherville »»Chicoutimi »»Montréal / Fleury »»Terrebonne »»Gatineau »»Magog »»St-Amable »»Chandler »»St-Pie de Bagot

»»CO2 cascade

»»Victoriaville »»Riviere-Du-Loup »»Ste-Brigitte de Laval »»Montréal / Centre-ville »»St-Félicien »»Ste-Julie »»Montréal / Centre-ville »»Boischatel »»St-Antoine des Laurentides »»Ste-Thérèse »»Rimouski »»Longueuil »»Ayers Cliff »»Temiscamigue »»Montréal / Shamrock »»Ste-Canut

»»Nolan Hill

SASKATCHEWAN »»Stonebridge MANITOBA »»Kildonan

»»Sage Creek

ONTARIO »»Milton

»»Stratford

NEWFOUNDLAND »» Paradise

February 2015 Accelerate America

27

Food Storage

‘OUR MOTIVATION: TO BE MORE GREEN’ Courchesne Larose’s reliable NH3-CO2 refrigeration system uses natural refrigerants to save energy, improve safety and be more competitive.

— By Michael Garry and Marc Chasserot

Richard Sevigny Operations manager, Courchesne Larose

Montréal Québec

As a major wholesaler of fruits and vegetables,

up from the R22-based DX system employed at

Courchesne Larose for the past 13 years, in a

Montreal-based Courchesne Larose Ltd. runs a

its former facility. For one thing, the new system

recent interview with Accelerate America. “We

very “green” business, replete with cucumbers,

eliminates the ozone-layer-depleting and climate-

wanted to be the first to say to our customers

lettuces,

warming R22 (global warming potential of 1,700)

that we’re green.”

(not-yet-ripe)

bananas

and

other

verdant-colored products.

in favor of natural refrigerants with no effect on

But with its modern distribution center, opened

the ozone layer and global warming potentials of

Courchesne Larose’s customers are food retailers

just one (C02) and zero (NH3).

throughout Canada and the east coast of the

three years ago, the company has transitioned

U.S., many of which are serving an increasingly

to a different kind of green, the environmental

The Carnot system is also much more efficient

environment-conscious shopper base and want

kind, best represented by its all-natural ammonia

than its predecessor, both in terms of electricity

to work with suppliers that share the same

(NH3)-carbon

consumption and in the use of heat reclaim and

values. “More and more [retailers] care about

system, supplied by Carnot Refrigeration.

hot gas defrost.

it,” said Sevigny. “They’re not all there, but more

The NH3-CO2 system, a DX (direct expansion),

“Our motivation was to be more green,” said

medium temperature unit, is a significant step

Richard

dioxide

(CO2)

refrigeration

and more. And if they want to be with a company

28

Accelerate America February 2015

Sevigny,

operations

manager

for

that’s green, they have to come over here.”

Food Storage

CONFINED AMMONIA Courchesne Larose’s warehouse is 100,000

The NH3-CO2 system confines the ammonia to

material costs by 31.5%. In addition it limits the

square feet and 40 feet high -- 30,000 square feet

the mechanical room, using CO2 to cool medium

use of paraseismic hangers to support pipes.

bigger and 20 feet higher than the old facility. It

temperature areas. This drastically reduces

includes 22 ripening rooms for bananas, a main

the quantity of ammonia used, compared to

Through its first three years of operation, the

dock with 19 garage doors, and a banana dock

a conventional ammonia warehouse system,

NH3-CO2 system has been largely problem-free,

with three garage doors. The temperature in the

without energy penalty, said Carnot. Moreover,

Sevigny said. “So far, we’re lucky. It’s better than

rooms varies between 34°F and 42°F.

keeping the NH3 in the machine room increases

expected.” From a leak perspective, for example,

the safety of the building for employees.

the system is vastly superior to the half-century-

The building, which can handle more than 4.5

old R22 system, which was leak-prone. Sevigny

million pounds of produce daily, can be expanded

According to Carnot, the system reduces piping

is able to control the system remotely, including

to two-and-a-half times its current size.

and insulation size by more than half compared

from home, which makes his life much easier, he

to a non-CO2 system, cutting related labor and

acknowledged.

FOUR TIMES AS EFFICIENT Though Sevigny declined to say how much

evaporator defrost, avoiding the need for electric

components of the ammonia loop, and delivers

energy the NH3-CO2 system is saving Courchesne

defrost.

substantial energy savings.

are controlling energy consumption. For example,

Another energy-saving feature is “free cooling,”

“We expect that [free cooling] will reduce the

though the new facility has triple the storage area

by which the system leverages cold ambient

total energy (kWH) requirement of the building,

of the old building, Courchesne Larose has been

temperatures (not uncommon in Canada) to

compared to a direct NH3 building,” said Carnot in

able to maintain the same energy costs. This

efficiently enhance the cooling effect. When

a company document.

has been possible, according to Carnot, in part

using CO2 in direct expansion in cascade with

because the energy efficiency of the NH3-CO2

ammonia, the system enters free-cooling mode

Finally,

system is four times that of the R22 system in

when the outside temperature is below 8°C

maintains stable temperatures, allowing fruits

the former warehouse.

(46°F). This mode is maintained for 4,000 hours

and vegetables to remain in fresh condition

in the Montreal area.

longer. This enables Courchesne Larose to buy at

Larose, he pointed to a number of features that

The NH3-CO2 system also saves energy by

NH3-CO2

refrigeration

system

a lower price, giving it a distinct advantage vis-à-

reclaiming heat from the discharge gases of

While

the CO2 compressors and routing it to offices

compressors completely stop. (NH3 is not needed

and warehouse space, as well as to domestic or

to cool the CO2.) This increases the lifetime of the

process water heating. And it delivers hot gas for

compressors, the lubrication system and other

NH3-CO2 DX refrigeration system at Courchesne Larose’s produce warehouse,

the

in

free-cooling

mode,

the

ammonia

vis its competitors. “We can be more aggressive in the marketplace,” said Sevigny

MG + MC

System Specs Courchesne Larose’s NH3-CO2 refrigeration system at its produce warehouse has the following attributes: »» Ammonia in the machine room and carbon dioxide in the cooling areas. »» Medium-temperature compressors for NH3 and CO2 »» Medium-temperature capacity of 1,600 KW »» Temperature in product rooms varies between 34°F and 42°F. »» Free cooling. »» Heat recovery. »» Hot-gas defrost

February 2015 Accelerate America

29

Policy

www.carnotrefrigeration.com

passion. innovation. thoroughness.

we offer An exclusive pArtnership with integrAted ApproAch – Design and engineering Manufacturing Joint venture with local contrator Commissioning

30

Accelerate America February 2015

we provide A strong experience for your mAjor projects – Warehouse Supermarket Ice Arena Sports Center

we creAte inovAtive, customized And sustAinAble solutions – High technology Secure systems Constant reliability Incredible energy efficiency

P P oo ll ii cc yy

— By James Ranson

ARE MAJOR CLIMATE ACCORDS ON THE HORIZON? Preliminary agreements at the Lima Summit and the Montreal Protocol meeting in Paris could lead to breakthroughs in 2015, though barriers remain.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, minister of the environment of Peru and president-designate of COP 20 and CMP 10

A

re the countries of the world finally

modeled on the Montreal Protocol’s phasedown

The sum total of those plans would constitute the

headed toward agreements that can

of CFC and HCFCs (chlorofluorocarbons and

final agreement that would be formalized in Paris

slow the rise of global temperatures

hydrochlororfluorocarbons)

in December and put into effect by 2020.

and prevent the worst effects of climate change?

would

certainly

shake up the refrigeration marketplace and potentially boost demand for natural refrigerants.

There were some encouraging signs in 2014.

Also on the HFCs front, the Canadian Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced on Dec. 5

In particular, two major meetings at the end of

At the same time, the Lima meeting’s Conference

-- simultaneous with the Lima conference -- that

year – the Montreal Protocol’s Meeting of the

of Parties to the UNFCCC (United Nations

Canada was following through on its commitment

Parties that took place in Paris in November and

Framework Convention on Climate Change) set

to reduce HFCS by publishing a “Notice of Intent

the global climate summit held in Lima, Peru, in

the stage for ratification of a global accord at a

to Regulate Hydrofluorocarbons.”

December -- raised hopes that agreements may

meeting slated for December 2015 in Paris that

come about in 2015 to curb the greenhouse gas

would commit 196 countries, including the U.S.,

Like the U.S., the Canadian government is looking

emissions that are causing temperatures to rise.

China and the European Union, to remediation

at prohibiting the use of some high GWP (global

efforts aimed at all greenhouse gases.

Warming potential) HFCs, including, R507 and

For

example,

despite

some

roadblocks,

R404A, in certain applications where lower-GWP

the parties to the Montreal Protocol took

The accord struck in Lima essentially put in

alternatives are readily available. The targeted

steps

would

motion a process by which each nation would

applications include commercial and stand-

phase down the production and use of HFCs

design its own plan by March 31 to reduce

alone refrigeration systems as well as vending

(hydrofluorocarbons), the potent greenhouse

greenhouse gas emissions. HFCs, currently under

machines; only new equipment would be affected.

gas still widely used in North America as a

the reporting requirements of the Kyoto Protocol,

refrigerant. (See Accelerate America, Dec. 2014-

would certainly represent low-hanging fruit in any

Jan. 2015 issue, page 30.) Such an agreement,

emissions-reduction plan.

towards

an

agreement

that

continued on p.32

February 2015 Accelerate America

31

Policy

SOME DRAWBACKS By getting both developed and developing

emissions. Today’s joint announcement, the

countries – rich and poor -- to commit to

culmination of months of bilateral dialogue,

cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions,

highlights the critical role the two countries must

The text contained in the Lima draft is

the Lima Accord represents a landmark in the

play in addressing climate change,” the statement

deliberately passive. Countries are “invited” to

climate change fight, while also falling short of

said.

“consider communicating their undertakings”

expectations. For example, it includes no legally

of carbon reduction.

which “may include, as appropriate” relevant

binding requirements, and also fails to deliver

Importantly, the U.S. promised to more than

“quantifiable information…time frames and/or

what scientists believe is necessary to prevent

double the rate of reduction of its emissions, from

periods.” A compromise was reached on what

global temperatures from growing by more than

1.2% per year on average during the 2005-2020

kind of information countries must share in their

3.6°F beyond pre-industrial levels.

period to 2.3%-2.8% between 2020 and 2025.

emission-reduction plans as they look to and

China announced it would start reducing its use of

beyond 2020.

Still, the Lima agreement could lead to the first

coal within six years, following an EU undertaking

binding emission-reduction targets since the

to cut its greenhouse-gas contribution by 40% by

By November 2015, a month prior to the Paris

Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997.

2030. All told, this means the nations responsible

meeting, the UNFCCC secretariat will publish a

for more than half the world’s carbon dioxide

report on the aggregate effect of the reduction

The world’s two biggest emitters, the U.S. and

emissions are working to convert their economies

targets.

China paved the way for the Lima Accord in

to low-carbon ones.

November with a joint announcement on their

There remains the fear that, with little threat of

plans to address climate change. President

Under the Lima Accord, the remainder of the

action, countries will simply put forward weak

Barack Obama presented an ambitious 2025

world’s nations will also need to put forward

plans that amount to little more than tokens.

target to cut emissions by 26% - 28% as compared

policies outlining just how they will achieve

Worse still, nations could submit no plan at all.

to 2005 levels. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi

cuts in carbon emissions. These plans, known

However, it’s hoped the threat of international

Jinping said China’s CO2 emissions would peak

within the U.N. as the “Intended Nationally

condemnation – “naming and shaming” -- will

around 2030, albeit without specifying what they

Determined Contributions,” are dictated by each

prevent countries from merely paying lip service

would be.

nation’s unique economy and domestic policies.

to the agreement.

This flexible strategy – in contrast to an all“Together, the U.S. and China account for

encompassing mandate -- helped secure the

over one third of global greenhouse gas

willingness of every country to enact some kind

HELPING THE VULNERABLE Another major initiative, designed to help

the link to finance and the development of

force polluters in China to pay for their greenhouse

vulnerable

their

national adaptation plans,” said Manuel Pulgar-

gas emissions. But there remains skepticism that

emissions as well as adapt to the impacts of

Vidal, president of the Conference of Parties in

China is interested in cutting pollution only to

climate change, is the Green Climate Fund,

Lima and Peru’s Minister of Environment.

mitigate domestic unrest as increasingly bad air

developing

nations

reduce

supported by financial donations from developed countries.

hastened by coal power production continues to Still, as has been the case since the very first

plague the nation’s standard of living.

mandate in Berlin in 1995, major disagreements The fund is seen as a crucial platform to

rage on between developed and developing

Meanwhile, economic growth remains India’s

help bridge the gap between developed and

countries, as well as between countries willing

top priority, even if it means investing in the

developing nations as the latter strive to invest

to shoulder responsibility and those tending to

construction of hundreds of new coal-fired

in low-emission projects. It is also seen as key

shirk it. The latter category includes countries

power plants to deliver cheap electricity. “We’ve

to achieving a meaningful binding agreement on

like India, the world’s third biggest emitter and

got what we wanted,” said Indian Environment

climate action at the Paris summit.

Australia, considered the worst performing

Minister Prakash Javedekar.

industrial country on climate action.

The Fund has been gaining momentum with 11th-hour

contributions

from

Belgium

And Vladimir Putin’s Russia continues to scoff

and

The Lima draft describes this as “the principle

at international opinion, while Australia, the

Australia, and new contributions from Norway,

of common but differentiated responsibilities

only government to repeal a climate policy, was

Peru, Colombia and Austria bringing the total

and respective capabilities, in light of different

conspicuous in its silence as other delegates

pledged to $10.2 billion. China, too, delved into its

national circumstances.”

from around the world praised the Lima Accord.

pockets, pledging $10 million for the South-South Cooperation and agreeing to double it next year.

32

In the U.S., President Obama appears committed

Thus it remains to be seen whether international

to

as

scrutiny will be sufficient for world leaders to

“Lima has given a new urgency towards fast-

cornerstone of his legacy. Xi Jinping’s Chinese

finally push through new global warming laws in

tracking adaptation and building resilience across

government is investigating a cap-and-trade

Paris next December

the developing world - not least by strengthening

system that would be introduced in 2016 and

Accelerate America February 2015

fighting

climate

change,

seeing

it

JR

Policy

GREENER CHINA IS TURNING TOWARDS NATURAL REFRIGERANTS A new study by shecco and the Chinese Association of Refrigeration shows a growing market for naturals in the wake of government regulations — By Elke Miner and Caixia Mao

6.3%

4.7%

1.9%

ASSOCIATION

CONSULTANCY / MARKETING

of future trends.

END USER

the nation’s delayed start won’t necessarily be indicative

Gree – have the capacity to supply half the world’s

9.8%

like Europe, Japan and even North America. However, In fact, its top three manufacturers – Haier, Midea and

TRAINING / RESEARCH

natural-refrigerant adoption, compared with markets

13.0%

Thus far, China has been slow to leave the gate in

industry.

ENGINEERING / CONTRACTOR

manufacturer and exporter in the global HVAC&R

20.9%

second largest economy in the world – and a major

PROFILE OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS

COMPONENT SUPPLIER

both by manufacturers and end users.

60.6%

to a much greater use of natural refrigerants in China,

China has made remarkable progress in becoming the

SYSTEM MANUFACTURER

As a developing country with a population of 1.3 billion,

demand for HVAC&R products. In the future, many of those products may include natural refrigerants as

To get a clearer picture of the status and potential of

China looks for ways to become a greener nation.

natural refrigerants in the growing Chinese economy, market expert shecco, in collaboration with the Chinese

China’s rapidly developing economy has put it at the top

Association of Refrigeration (CAR), launched an

of the list of the world’s top polluters, and increasing

industry-wide study last summer.

domestic concerns over air pollution have led the government to make a historic move to revamp its

The

environmental law. The new rules are said to be the

analysis of the Chinese market, will be published in

study,

a

first-ever

comprehensive

industry

strictest yet, with a monitoring and retribution system

February as “GUIDE China 2015: Natural Refrigerants

for polluters, and it is expected that this new law will

– Market Trends & Potential in China.” The GUIDE will

prove an important driver in making business more

focus on key application areas in the Chinese market,

aware of their environmental impacts.

including commercial, light commercial and industrial refrigeration, CO2 heat pumps, and R290 in room air

In the HVAC&R sphere, China has also taken steps to

conditioning. It will include the results of a survey of

limit greenhouse gas emissions. Recent developments

suppliers, trainers, contractors, end users, and other

include reversing its former position and agreeing to

stakeholders; and it will also offer exclusive insights

support a phasedown of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons)

from government officials, leading researchers, industry

via the Montreal Protocol, as well as striking an accord

experts and end users active in a variety of application

with President Obama that includes beginning to phase

areas of the HVAC&R industry.

down the use of HFCs. Overall, the GUIDE will shed light on the current These government actions, coupled with increased

use of natural refrigerants, expectations for market

emphasis

development, and barriers and challenges facing the

on

energy

efficiency

and

technology

development in the HVAC&R industry to maintain China’s competitive edge in the world market, could lead

34

Accelerate America February 2015

Chinese market.

Policy

ON THE RISE Having collected nearly 1,000 responses, the

should focus on safety, high efficiency and

GUIDEs shecco-CAR survey results suggest that

reduced carbon emissions.

U S E O F N AT U R A L REFRIGERANTS VS F-GASES I N C H I N A TO DAY

13.7%

industry will follow this trend in production.

AIR

America, adopt natural refrigerants, Chinese

organization already uses or offers solutions

22.7%

export markets, particularly Europe and North

sizeable number of respondents indicated their

W AT E R

around the globe. This means that as China’s

HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). However, a

23.6%

ozone-depleting

employing

AMMONIA

and keeping up with technology advancements

60%

26.5%

three-quarters

HYDROCARBONS

the world market by improving energy efficiency

respondents still use HFCs, and more than still

that

30.5%

of

are

found

CARBON DIOXIDE

survey

62.3%

emphasis on maintaining a competitive edge in The

HCFCs

Moreover, the government is putting increased

75.1%

China.

HFCs

natural refrigerants are indeed on the rise in

using natural refrigerants, including carbon dioxide (30%), ammonia (23%) and hydrocarbons

For example, respondents to the shecco-CAR

(26%).

study have indicated that CO2 and hydrocarbons are likely to take a strong share of the Chinese

Furthermore, of those not yet using or offering

light commercial refrigeration market, largely due

systems using natural refrigerants, nearly 50%

to the vast influence of the EU F-Gas Regulation

reported that their organizations would do so in

revisions on HFC replacement. In fact, refrigerant

the future, indicating a significantly increased

replacement offers China a unique opportunity to

market share on the horizon. In addition, 30% of

overtake other nations in the HVAC&R industry,

respondents were unsure whether or not their

said China’s Foreign Economic Cooperation Office

organization would adopt natural refrigerants,

of the Ministry of Environmental Protection at the

further expanding the potential number of

2014 HVAC&R Industry Development Forum.

companies employing natural coolants in the future.

According to the results of the shecco-CAR survey, Chinese industry is very receptive to

For the Chinese market, going natural makes

this opportunity and is keen on increasing

economic sense. The government is already

research and development in natural refrigerants

aware that the increased efficiency many natural

technology. Among those companies indicating

refrigerant solutions offer is an important way to

a clear plan for future use of refrigerants, nearly

help the economy continue to grow, but within

100% reported they intend to increase R&D

a more sustainable model. And the government

efforts for natural refrigerants.

FUTURE PLANS F O R N O N - N AT U R A L REFRIGERANTS USERS

32.8%

has noted that future technology developments

48.7%

NEW POLICY DRIVERS

18.5%

In terms of policy, the turn of the new year will

Already,

build on earlier moves aimed at HFCs. For

is entering a period of transition, in which

example, it will be a pivotal moment for those

increased emphasis is placed on safety and

still using HCFCs, as China aims to phase down

energy efficiency. This is particularly evident in

HCFCs by 10%, leading to a phase out in 2030.

the amplified adoption of CO2/NH3 indirect and

In addition, in April 2014, the Chinese government

cascade systems in place of older systems.

announced

reduce

And 2015 is expected to be a significant year

emissions, including HFCs, by 280 million tons of

in room air conditioning as well, likely including

CO2 equivalent by 2015.

the

a

short-term

target

to

the

industrial

commercialization

applications

refrigeration

of

R290

sector

(propane)

Ye s , I wi l l use n atu r al re f r i ger ants Do n o t kn o w th e plan ye t No , I wi l l n o t use n atu r al re f r i ger ants

EM + CM

Key industry stakeholders that participated in the survey indicated that global and national HFC regulations and, within China, the introduction of standards allowing for the use of natural refrigerants, are the strongest drivers for the development of natural refrigerant technologies and the growing use of these refrigerants in China.

February 2015 Accelerate America

35

Vendor Profile

Jonathan Holloway Strategic Marketing Director, Climate & Energy Danfoss North America

DANFOSS IS MOVING THE MARKET TOWARDS NATURAL REFRIGERANTS The Danish components maker is engaged in research, training, education and standards development in support of what it sees as a growing phenomenon in North America. — By Michael Garry and Marc Chasserot

36

Accelerate America February 2015

Vendor Profile

As North American food retailers assess the prospects for future regulations of refrigerants, they can read the handwriting on the wall: more are on the way.

Given this reality, many merchants are looking for a more

According to Jonathan Holloway, Danfoss’ strategic marketing

“future-proof” refrigeration solution not subject to the vagaries

director, climate & energy, North America, the company is

of government oversight. And as their counterparts in Europe

engaged in research on four technologies that can maximize

have already done in large numbers, some here are turning

the benefits and overcome the barriers to broad adoption

to natural-refrigerant-based equipment, such as transcritical

of transcritical systems: parallel compression, ejectors,

booster systems incorporating carbon dioxide.

mechanical subcooling and adiabatic condensers.

Most of the North American transcritical systems have been

“All of [these technologies] are changing the game in terms of

deployed in climates that have a significant winter season

where the ‘efficiency equator’ stands,” said Holloway, a former

because these systems typically operate more efficiently in

banking executive who has served in marketing roles for

cooler climates. Now the race is on to develop technology that

Danfoss since 2011, during a recent interview with Accelerate

can make transcritical a truly universal refrigeration option for

America at Danfoss’s Baltimore offices. “We are working with

supermarkets, suitable for any climate.

all of [them] to help our customers be ready for field trials so

“

THESE TECHNOLOGIES ARE CHANGING THE GAME IN TERMS OF WHERE THE ‘EFFICIENCY

that CO2 can be expanded in North America.”

With a solid business in traditional HVAC&R technology, why is Danfoss so keen on promoting natural refrigerants? Currently natural-refrigerant-related components represent less than 10% of the company’s North American sales, which is reflective of where the market as a whole stands.

EQUATOR’ STANDS”

But that’s today. With regulations likely to play a major role,

Danfoss, the venerable Danish manufacturer of controls,

North America, starting with transcritical systems. “Based

valves, compressors and other components, is an eager

on activities we’ve seen with our customers, we are moving

participant in that contest.

through the early adoption phase [and] scaling up,” said

Danfoss sees a robust future for natural refrigerants in

Holloway, who expects the number of U.S. transcritical store Founded in 1933, Danfoss, based in Nordborg, Denmark, has

installations to surpass 100 in 2016. “I see CO2 growing in

one of the most far-flung manufacturing and sales operations

momentum. I don’t see this slowing down.”

geared to HVAC&R applications, with factories in 19 countries and sales teams in 49.

It’s not all about business for Danfoss. Environmental considerations have long been a part of its history and infuse

In North America, where it has operated since 1958, the

its culture. “Danfoss as a company is very concerned about the

company has more than 4,000 employees and generated nearly

environment,” said Holloway. Within food retail, for example,

a quarter of its $5.3 billion annual sales in 2013. Headquartered

“we see [natural refrigerant technology] as the right solution

in Baltimore, Md., Danfoss North America has bolstered its

for the environment.” A member of the United Nations Global

portfolio with a series of acquisitions over the past 30 years

Compact, Danfoss has announced its intention to generate

and now has locations throughout the Midwest and South.

25% less carbon equivalent and use 25% more renewable energy by 2025.

But Danfoss is not a company to rest on its laurels. It invested 4.3% of its 2013 annual sales in innovation, and now its research and development is squarely targeting CO2 refrigeration.

continued on p.38

February 2015 Accelerate America

37

Vendor Profile

A Big Focus Traditional supermarkets are not the only retail outlet where CO2 is catching

An Albertsons store in Carpinteria, Calif. (originally owned by Supervalu but

on, noted Holloway. Following a trend in Japan, downsized, modular systems

now owned by Albersons LLC), which employs an ammonia-CO2 cascade

for smaller merchants such as convenience stores represent “a big focus in

refrigeration system, shows that smaller-scale ammonia systems can work

the market,” he said. “This is one of the ways the game can change.” But

even in retail settings, he noted.

smaller systems require different components – an area where Danfoss can help end users make the necessary adjustments.

Danfoss is also examining how hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a) can be more widely used. While these refrigerants are

Holloway also sees potential for CO2, among natural refrigerant options, in

highly efficient, and are being adopted in beverage coolers, there remain

refrigerated trucking applications. “There are some CO2 solutions on the

flammability concerns and charge limits. “These can be addressed with

market today that will continue to evolve.”

proper insulation, service and system design,” said Holloway. “We have been working in a lab in Baltimore with manufacturers to optimize their systems

Danfoss has its eye on other natural refrigerants as well, such as ammonia.

for hydrocarbon applications.”

The company has long been involved in ammonia refrigeration systems used by industrial warehouses and production plants, but now it is helping

Other areas where natural refrigerants will play a role include data centers and

develop smaller, lower-charge applications, even packaged systems. “This

ice rinks, Holloway observed. But he sees much less applicability to HVAC, at

could change the cost equation, making ammonia systems easier to apply

least in North America. For example, heat pumps using hydrocarbons, which

for end users,” said Holloway.

Danfoss is pursuing in Europe, have been held up in the U.S. by regulations.

The Value of Support Beyond its R&D efforts, Danfoss has myriad other ways of furthering the

still relatively uncommon in North America? “To the extent that natural

adoption of natural refrigerants in North America.

refrigerants are proven as a more efficient solution, I don’t know why they wouldn’t want to support that,” said Holloway.

For one, it is heavily invested in training personnel and nurturing their expertise in natural refrigerant applications in order to help customers

Danfoss recently took its support of natural refrigerants to the national

improve efficiency and design, adapt to regulations, and have successful

stage. It was among 22 companies that assembled at the White House

implementations. “Support is an underplayed point,” said Holloway. “Our

last September to make a commitment to slashing emissions of HFCs

engagement with customers and making sure projects are a success are

(hydrofluororcarbons) by using alternative climate-friendly technologies.

also critical to making sure this momentum continues.”

In particular, Danfoss announced that, it is forming a stakeholder task Danfoss is also helping to educate the marketplace about natural refrigerants

force to accelerate the adoption of standards and building codes for next-

through its EnVisioneering Symposia Series, which bring together policy

generation, low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants, including

makers, utilities, equipment manufacturers and contractors to discuss the

natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons.

“tough issues,” said Holloway. “Natural refrigerants have risen to a higher area of the agenda the past couple of years.”

“We see the market moving, and we have a role in pushing it that way,” Holloway said

MG + MC

Another tactic is to work with utilities on offering incentives in support of natural solutions. How can Danfoss justify incentives for a technology

DANFOSS QUICK FACTS

38

»» Founded in 1933 by Mads Clausen

»» 2013 North American percentage of sales: 23%

»» Worldwide headquarters: Nordborg, Denmark

»» 2013 percentage of sales invested in innovation: 4.3%

»» Ownership: Privately held

»» Global employees: 24,000

»» Opened first US sales office in 1958

»» North American employees (including Mexico): 4,030

»» North American headquarters: Baltimore, Md.

»» Factories: 64 in 19 countries

»» 2013 global sales: $5.33 billion.

»» Top three markets: US, Germany and China

Accelerate America February 2015

AMERICA

business case June 25 & 26 2015 — Atlanta, Georgia

ATMOsphere America 2015 is moving South to Atlanta, Georgia for its 4th annual conference on June 25th & 26th.

Through its proven formula of end user and regulatory panels, market trends and technology case study sessions, workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities, ATMOsphere America 2015 will again serve as THE forum for discussions about the business case for natural refrigerants in North & South America.

An Early Bird Special promotion of 15% off the standard registration will be running until Saturday, February 14th, 2015. Don't miss out, register at www.ATMO.org/america2015/registration Email:

info@ATMO.org Phone North America:

(+1) 202 657 6164 Phone Europe:

(+32) 2 230 37 00 Visit:

www.ATMO.org

J u n e 2 5 & 26 2015 — A tl a nta , G e orgi a mo re in f o on w w w.ATMO.org/ a m e r i c a 2015

Training

Rusty Walker Senior Trainer Hillphoenix Learning Center

IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. IT’S JUST REFRIGERATION At Hillphoenix’s Learning Center, chief trainer Rusty Walker demystifies natural refrigerants.

— By Michael Garry and Marc Chasserot

40

Accelerate America February 2015

Training

Fans of the Star Wars film series will recall the

Ga., but Walker, who has been in the HVAC&R

transcritical, cascade and secondary systems,

Ewok, a small, primitive creature that looks like

industry almost 30 years, also travels the country

while others cover a range of conventional DX

a teddy bear. As an instructor for refrigeration

to conduct regional programs. The Center offers

(direct expansion) technologies as well as basic

manufacturer Hillphoenix, Rusty Walker invokes

a growing online instruction program as well.

refrigeration concepts. Attendees can customize

the character as a way of allaying the concerns

their course selection over a one-, two- or three-

of his students about new systems using carbon

“What we found in the refrigeration industry is

day period. Courses use manuals written by

dioxide as a natural refrigerant.

a huge gap where technicians and engineers

in-house technical writers Bill Katz and David

are not necessarily trained like they used to be,”

Moorehead.

“One of my goals,” he said in a recent interview

he said. “It was [Hillphoenix vice president of

with Accelerate America, “is just to be like a little

marketing] Henry Pellerin’s vision that we needed

Of the Learning Center’s 23,000 students, more

bitty Ewok and just give everybody a big hug and

to somehow do something about it instead of

than half – about 12,000 – have received training

say, ‘It’s OK, it’s just refrigeration! We’re not going

just complain. So we put the Learning Center

in

to kill anybody! It’s fantastic!’”

together.”

equipment using CO2. Given the relative newness

Walker, the senior trainer at the Hillphoenix

Walker also speaks at HVAC&R educational

Learning Center, oversees an educational program

organizations like AHSRAE and RSES and

that has explained the intricacies of refrigeration

participates in online chat groups like HVAC-Talk.

natural-refrigerant

systems,

particularly

of natural refrigerants, this may be the area where

installation, maintenance and commissioning to

Walker’s training is most needed.

“For years our industry never changed,” he said. “But now, with environmental and energy

more than 23,000 students – mostly contractors,

At the Learning Center, Hillphoenix offers an

concerns, we have new systems and refrigerants.

technicians and engineers, but some end users

array of courses at prices ranging from $59 to

We have to educate people in the usage and

as well – since its inception in 2006. Much of

$299 (see www.hillphoenixlc.com). Several of

installation of those systems.”

the training takes place at the Center in Conyers,

the courses address CO2 refrigeration, including

JUST ANOTHER REFRIGERANT One of Walker’s most important tasks as

discussion and not a lecture, then everybody

difference [from conventional systems],” Walker

an educator is to address the anxieties and

learns,” he said. “A lecture bores me as well.”

said.

CO2 technologies. “When people ask if CO2 is

In the CO2 sessions, attendees also get “hands-

He also encourages attendees to rely on

dangerous, my answer is yes, but so is R22, and

on” experience with the systems. “We have a

their training for DX systems in approaching

we’ve used R22 forever,” he said.

transcritical rack at the Learning Center and we’ll

transcritical technology. “I teach a couple of new

start pulling off the heads of the compressors,

things, maybe a new valve,” such as the high-

One area where CO2 does differ from other

open up the coalescent filters and look at the

pressure control valve and the flash-gas bypass

refrigerants is in the higher pressures under which

components,” he said. “What valves do we shut

valve, he said. “It’s not rocket science; it’s just

it operates. But Walker pointed out that the higher

to pump it down? What are the safeties built in?”

refrigeration.”

do occur, the system is built to handle them. “So

The Learning Center also has an operating

Some of Walker’s students come to realize that

it’s not a big deal; it’s just another refrigerant.”

transcritical rack at its R&D facility where

CO2 systems, which have fewer moving parts and

attendees can see the high pressures and work

use electronic expansion valves, are easier to

Walker’s teaching style is interactive. He asks

with the controllers. “Once they play with it,

install and maintain than conventional systems.

questions and waits for answers. “If it’s a

they start understanding this is not that big a

“That’s the fun part for me,” he said.

myths that have grown up around the safety of

pressures don’t exist in the store, and where they

MANUFACTURER’S RESPONSIBILITY While CO2 is the natural refrigerant the Learning

manufacturer, because trade schools have moved

Walker admits he is “drinking the CO2 Kool-Aid,”

Center is most focused on, hydrocarbons are

away from it. That’s especially true “if we want to

but believes his faith is justified. “When we can

also covered in the context of Hillphoenix’s

move people to natural refrigerants.”

use a refrigerant that is so efficient and has a

self-contained cases. The Center plans to offer

better latent heat transfer, I think we all win,” he

instruction on any natural refrigerants for which

He sees natural refrigerants helping to bring

said. “And it’s a natural refrigerant that doesn’t

there is a market demand.

young people who care about the environment

harm our environment”

MG + MC

into the HVAC&R industry, which has struggled Walker believes that refrigeration training has

to recruit young technicians. ‘We need young

become more of a responsibility of the system

people. That’s a fact.”

February 2015 Accelerate America

41

Vendor Profile

REFRIGERATE DIFFERENTLY So says Carnot Refrigeration, which, with Canadian grocer Sobeys, has put CO2 transcritical refrigeration on the map in North America

— By Michael Garry and Marc Chasserot

Marc-André Lesmerises Carnot Refrigeration

When Marc-André Lesmerises fulfilled a dream by co-founding Quebec-

The system was a hit, earning Carnot two awards from ASHRAE

based Carnot Refrigeration in 2008, he had the good fortune of immediately

(the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning

striking a deal with the company that would become his biggest customer

Engineers). It was, to paraphrase the movie Casablanca, the beginning of

-- Sobeys, Canada’s second largest food retailer.

a beautiful relationship. Working together, Carnot and Sobeys have helped put transcritical refrigeration, which uses only carbon dioxide, on the map

That year, Lesmerises, who had received his degree in mechanical engineering

in North America (see page 26). “The journey started with Sobeys,” said

from Quebec University just five years earlier, oversaw the construction of

Lesmerises in a recent interview with Accelerate America.

an innovative refrigeration system for Sobeys’ dairy distribution center in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. It uses ammonia in the central chiller and glycol as a

Today, Carnot’s emphasis on natural refrigerants like CO2 is epitomized by

secondary fluid to maintain a temperature of 39°F. (4°C.) in the refrigerated

the phrase “refrigerate differently,” prominently displayed on its website.

space. Most of the facility’s heating is derived from the chiller’s condensers.

CHOOSING CO2 Following the successful Trois-Rivieres project, Sobeys asked Lesmerises to

Lesmerises described the evolution of Carnot’s supermarket CO2 installations

develop a system that would reduce the refrigerant charge in its stores. He

at shecco’s ATMOsphere America conference last June. Starting with two

began surveying natural-refrigerant solutions around the world.

stores in 2009, they grew to eight in 2010, 11 in 2011, and 45 in 2013.

Lesmerises initially looked at propane and ammonia applications in

Carnot’s initial CO2 systems were cascade models, but then in 2010 the

Sweden. But he couldn’t help noticing the rapid adoption of CO2 systems

company introduced its CO2-only transcritical system, which has been

in Europe between 2007 and 2009, and decided to pursue that route. “We

the basis for its supermarket business since then. Carnot has become,

understood rapidly after we did our first site that CO2 was the best option for

Lesmerises said, the North American leader in the number of transcritical

supermarkets,” he said.

CO2 systems installed in supermarkets.

Since then, Carnot has also designed CO2 systems for industrial warehouses

Sobeys overall operates 72 food stores with transcritical systems, which are

and ice rinks. In 2011, the company installed an ammonia-CO2 system in a

supplied now by three manufacturers.

produce warehouse operated by Courchesne Larose in Montreal. (See story, page 28.)

In addition to Sobeys, Carnot is working with six other supermarket chain customers on deploying its CO2 system, including its first U.S. customer,

42

Accelerate America February 2015

Vendor Profile

Hannaford Supermarkets. In 2013, Carnot’s

With demand for CO2 systems in North America

transcritical system became the first such system

expected to grow over the next few years, Carnot

installed in a U.S. supermarket, Hannaford’s store

is able to manufacturer 15 transcritical racks

in Turner, Maine. (See, “Does CO2 Refrigeration

per week, said Lesmerises. Carnot employs 15

Deliver?”, Accelerate America, Nov. 2014.)

engineers, five technicians, up to 30 production

MULTIPLE-AWARD WINNER

employees and five administrators.

“It is good news that there are now more U.S. companies on board with this strategy and I’m

But Lesmerises still regards Carnot as a small

confident they will like what they get,” he said.

company that is growing along with the demand

After the massive adoption of CO2 refrigeration in

for CO2 systems. “We’ll take it one step at a time,

Europe, “it was only a question of time before the

which is always the way we do it,” he said. “We

U.S. jumped into that.”

don’t want to rush too fast because you need to deliver the quality and innovation.”

In its brief, six-year lifetime, Carnot Refrigeration has garnered a number of awards and recognitions: »» The company’s very first project – an

Carnot’s presence in the U.S. adds a new supplier to

ammonia-glycol refrigeration system at

the mix and thereby mitigates the risk of investing

Sobeys’ dairy distribution center in

in unconventional refrigeration technology. “U.S.

Trois-Rivières, Quebec -- won two awards

retailers say it’s refreshing to have a new serious

in 2010 from ASHRAE (the American

supplier in the market,” he noted.

Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers): first place in the industrial facilities or process category, and a

OVERCOMING FEAR

technology case studies award.

The primary obstacle to further adoption of

To ensure a successful installation, Carnot works

»» Carnot’s transcritical installation at Hannaford

CO2 systems, Lesmerises believes, is fear of

on-site with an established network of installers

Supermarkets’ Turner, Maine, store received

the technology. For example, some end users

as well as with a customer’s own installer. “We

widespread recognition. In December 2013,

are apprehensive about the higher pressures

follow the process of start-up and installation

nine U.S. Senators and seven members

inherent in CO2 systems. Other companies are

really closely,” he said.

of Congress (all Democrats) wrote a letter

not persuaded that transcritical systems can

to Gina McCarthy, administrator of the

run efficiently in warmer climates. Still others

One of the challenges in being among the first

Environmental Protection Agency, in which

may be highly invested in traditional technology

to market with CO2 systems is dealing with

they advocated a shift away from HFCs and

and reluctant to try something different that they

snafus that occur with component suppliers.

cited the store’s system as an example of an

believe is more expensive.

Carnot experienced that with one supplier of

alternative to HFC technology.

low-temperature expansion valves. “When we Lesmerises works diligently to dispel these fears.

discovered we needed to replace all the valves, we

For example, in regard to high pressures, he

did it, and the supplier completely supported us in

gave the Turner store its highest level of

points

this,” said Lesmerises. “For us and our customer,

certification, platinum, as well as the “Best

you can judge your supplier by how they help

of the Best” award as the most outstanding

you when you get in trouble.” The customer also

GreenChill certified store. GreenChill is a

Lesmerises finds word of mouth between users

appreciated that Carnot stepped in to resolve the

voluntary program in which food retailers

who have has a positive experience with CO2

issue “We didn’t just try to run away.”

agree to meet goals regarding refrigerant

out

that

cars

have

high-pressure

components and “they are moving anyway.”

systems and those who are considering these

»» In 2013, the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership

charge and leak rate. In 2014, Carnot became

systems to be an effective way of helping the

Since that experience, Carnot has made sure that

the first Canadian manufacturer to join the

latter get over the hump. “I just think it’s a

each component is thoroughly vetted before it

program’s system manufacturer sector.

matter of time before enough [end users] have

goes on a system. “We don’t test them; we torture

a good experience with us or other suppliers

them,” he said.

»» In 2014, Carnot received an award for a CO2

and demonstrate that the fears were maybe exaggerated,” he said.

transcritical installation in an ice rink from In furthering the adoption of natural refrigerants,

the Quebec Association of Energy Efficiency

Lesmerises is driven to fill, not just a market need,

(AQME). The installation was at the Civic

Over the past five years, the total cost of CO2

but an environmental one as well. “Each morning

Centre in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec.

systems – first cost, installation and operating

when I wake up I have no difficulties going to

(See “CO2 Scores Goal at Quebec Ice Rink,”

cost -- has declined to the point where they are

work because I know what I do is good,” he said.

Accelerate America, Dec. 2014-Jan. 2015).

now competitive with traditional DX systems

“I know my two daughters will have a better life in

using an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) like R507, said

50 years because I do that

MG + MC

Lesmerises. The first cost alone has dropped as well.

February 2015 Accelerate America

43

EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2015

*

Issue #3 February

Issue #9 September (to be published early Sept)

Special Issue: AHR Expo

Special Issue: FMI Energy Conference

Supplement: GUIDE AHR EXPO

Format: Digital + Print (@ FMI Energy)

Format: Digital + Print of Guide AHR Expo (@ AHR Expo)

Ad submission deadline: August 17

Ad submission deadline: January 7

Issue #4 March (to be published early March)

Issue #10 October (to be published early Oct) Special Issue: Intermodal / Transport Refrigeration

Special Issue: Foodservice (NAFEM coverage)

Format: Digital

Format: Digital

Ad submission deadline: September 18

Ad submission deadline: February 23

Issue #5 April (to be published mid April)

Issue #11 November (to be published early Nov) Special Issue: Training + Servicing (RSES + Expo Coverage)

Special Issue: Industrial Refrigeration (Food Processing / Food Storage)

Format: Digital

Format: Digital + Print (@ IARW)

Ad submission deadline: October 19

Ad submission deadline: April 3

Issue #6 May (to be published mid May)

Issue #12 December / January (to be published early Dec) Special Issue: Regulations (US + International Policies, Standards,

Special Issue: Energy Utilities (Programs, Research, Rebates)

Codes Update)

Format: Digital

Format: Digital

Ad submission deadline: May 4

Ad submission deadline: November 20

Issue #7 June (to be published mid June)

Additional topics:

Special Issue: Ice Rinks + Trade Show Coverage

HVAC + Heat Pumps

Format: Digital

Wineries

Ad submission deadline: June 5

Servers (IT) Research

Issue #8 July / August (to be published end of July)

Residential

Special Issue: ATMOsphere America + Accelerate Awards

Institutional (Hospitals, Universities, etc)

(incl. Person of the Year)

Government Buildings

Supplement: ATMOsphere America Summary Report

Office Buildings

Format: Digital + Print (@ FMI Energy)

Hotels

Ad submission deadline: July 17

Mobile Air Conditioning

Format: Digital + Print (@ FMI Energy)

* Publisher reserves the right to modify the calendar.